Calendar Of Events Theater

"Shrek The Musical" is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, and brings the story of Shrek the ogre to life on stage. In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Featuring a donkey that won’t shut up, a villain with a short temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairytale misfits. 8 p.m. Additional performances through Dec. 11. Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Ziff Ballet Opera House, Miami. $25-$77. Details: (305) 949-6722 or www.arshtcenter.org.

ROTHKO RED

"Red," written by John Logan and directed by Joseph Adler, features actors Gregg Weiner and Ryan Didato. The story, set in 1958, follows abstract expressionist Mark Rothko’s biggest commission in the history of modern art. He’s to paint a series of murals for New York’s Four Seasons Restaurant. This 2010 Tony Award Winner for Best Play is a depiction of the ambition, vulnerability and agony inherent in the art of making art. 8 p.m. Additional performances through Dec. 11. $15 for students. $35-$50 others. Details: (305) 445-1119 or www.gablestage.org.

Friday 12/9

ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS

New World School of the Arts presents Broadway musical "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," directed by faculty member Matthew Glass. The show features a cast of 34 high school juniors and seniors joined by the school’s 15-piece orchestra. Based on the 1988 film, the play centers on two con men living on the French Riviera. After meeting on a train, they unsuccessfully try to work together only to find that this small French town isn’t big enough for the two. They agree on a settlement: the first one to extract $50,000 from a young female target wins and the other must leave town. 7:30 p.m. Additional performances through Dec. 10. Louise O. Gerrits Theater, 25 NE Second St., Miami. $10 students and seniors. $15 others. Details: www.nwsa.mdc.edu.

Thursday 12/8

NOTES FROM SANTALAND

Zoetic Stage and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts present David Sedaris’ "The Santaland Diaries," a one-man play adapted for the stage by Tony Award-winning Broadway veteran Joe Mantello. Starring South Florida artist Michael McKeever and based on the chronicles of David Sedaris’ experience as "Crumpet," a Christmas elf in Macy’s Santaland display. This cult classic examines the desperation of unemployment, while celebrating the insanity of Christmas shopping and the holiday spirit. 7:30 p.m. Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Ziff Ballet Opera House, Miami. $35. Details: (305) 949-6722 or www.arshtcenter.org.